The Four Seasons of Manuela

This is not to say that the successes of Bolivar would not have occurred, or that South American history would have been significantly altered, had Manuela not been a revolutionary and lover of Bolivar. It is to say that Manuela was vital to Bolivar as man and leader, and that she was one of many strong-hearted, dedicated individuals who played a part in the long struggle for freedom in South America.

The book provides a number of sources for its information, and quotes extensively from those sources, although the references are not footnoted. The book is largely a popularized and even romanticized portrait of Saenz and her personal and political relationship with Bolivar.

The reader would benefit from keeping in mind the popular nature of this biography and the minimal use of footnoted references. In other words, only by reading a number of other books on Saenz, and on Saenz and Bolivar, can we begin to assess the accuracy and interpretation of their lives as portrayed by Von Hagen.

However, if Von Hagen is correct, then Saenz is truly an exceptional woman who can stand alone as a figure

. . .
freedom of his inmost intentions and motives" (47). This allowed him to discover for himself, through talking to her, precisely what he wanted to do in the revolution. Saenz, for her part, gained a man who provided for her a coherent picture of what the revolution was meant to accomplish on a grand scale. She also came to understand her own place in the revolution by listening to Bolivar: It was clear to her now what Bolivar wanted. First, Spain must be decisively defeated throughout the Americas. Then, out of battle and the liberty of these many free states, a great empire arising out of the Andes, half democratic, half feudal, which through a common policy would become one day the United States of South America (48-49). When it came time for a crucial meeting between Bolivar and another South American military leader, Saenz was the link who provided essential intelligence information for Bolivar. Bolivar became increasingly appreciative of---and dependent on---Saenz and her political talents as well as personal. The became a creative team working together for the sake of a greater cause---the revolution and independence. All this was taking place while Saenz did legal and economic battle with personal enemies over a
. . .

Some common words found in the essay are:
Von Hagen, Bolivar Manuela, South America, Saenz Bolivar, Von Hagen's, Manuela Lima, South American, Bolivar Bolivar, Simon Bolivar, Manuela Saenz, von hagen, south america, south american, saenz bolivar, significant role, revolutionary movement, history south america, vital necessity, saenz met, fight freedom, von hagen's, significant role life, south american history, played significant role,
Approximate Word count = 2038
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page)